Since the dawn of man, humanity has had an innate need to connect with a divine creator. This is resulted in the formation of countless religions through the ages, there are certain belief systems that have become dominant within the fabric of society. Smith eloquently summarizes the basis for each of these respective religions and the influence that they have had on culture throughout time. By focusing on the seven religions of Christianity, Confucianism, Taoism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam, Smith is able to paint an impartial view of the beliefs and faiths that have carried much of society through to the modern era (Smith 10).
As we analyze this text, it is helpful to explore the religion of Islam. The basic precepts reflected across the Islamic world are five fold: 1) Muslims believe in proclaiming their faith in order to provide them with an identity. This also serves to provide them with a sense of community.; 2) Prayer - prayer is essential and to be conduct at prescribed intervals throughout the day; 3) Giving to charity is expected - particularly to those that are poor and invalids; 4) Fasting should be conducting during the special Holy month each year; and 5) Pilgrimage - Muslims worldwide are asked to travel to Mecca at least once if they are financially and physically able to do so.
Through the years, humanism has had a profound impact on the arts, and this influence can certainly still be seen today. Consider, for example, that gothic architecture, to a great extent, was largely influence by humanistic ideals dating back to the 1400s and the Renaissance period.The pointed arches and the elaborate architecture are a reflection of this, and they signified the feeling of the artists at the time. Consider the Michelangelo himself took elements of humanism and realism and combined them with Biblical themes to form the basis for many of his paintings. While the art today looks different, the principles of humanism in many artists work remains and is reflected in the output.
Islam Throughout History
Quite simply, the church during the Middle Ages formed a fundamental role in the formation of government, and to a great extent dictated social policy and how the culture developed. In many cases, politicians controlled the church, and vice versa. That day and age was less religiously tolerant than we are today, so most citizens adhered to the faith of the land, lest they be outcast, and often violently so. This can be reflected in the beauty and majesty of the art reflected from this time period, as art and culture were one and the same. Even to this day medieval art forms are reflected in modern culture and continue to influence religious thought and ideas throughout Europe.
Throughout the history of modern civilization, there have been few events that have had more of a lasting impact on the political, cultural, and economic landscape of an entire region as that of the Crusades. For one, the Crusades worked to allow Europe to finally gain access to trade routes throughout Far East Asia, which up to that time had been controlled by Islamic centered regimes. In addition, from a political perspective it altered the way that the nations of Europe would interact with and conduct diplomatic relations with the Islamic countries of the Middle East. Finally, the Crusades in many respects led directly to a cultural renaissance of sorts, encourage the growth of technology and intellectual knowledge. This was accomplished via new cultural interactions and better dealings with individual from an Asian or Middle Eastern background.
Hinduism
Consider as well the religion of Hinduism. While Hinduism teaches that most people go through each of the four stages of life, some are more applicable to our respective cultures that we reside in. Where a person in one culture might progress through the stages rather quickly, the speed at which such a progression takes place in another might be much slower. We have to remember that Hinduism focuses us on realizing a state of enlightenment. So, in many Asian philosophies, this coincides with academic schooling, which can last up to 25 years before progressing to the second stage.
In American culture, we also are predicated on individuals going through a process of formal education where they are encouraged to find themselves and determine their place in this world. There are certainly parallels in our culture, therefore, to the Brchmacharya, as even after an individual finishes formal schooling, they are still a student of society, so to speak, while they determine their path in life. Our society is then focused on creating a household, making contributions to society, and developing a family. Once this is complete, we can enter in the third Ashrama, which allows us, and any significant others, to finally relish our contributions that we have made in life by slowing down and taking time for just ourselves. That is why this is most commonly referred to as the Hermit stage. Towards the end of the Hindu cycle of life, the Fourth Ashrama encouraged adherents to reflect on all that they have accomplished in life and realize the beauty that is all around them. We do go through a similar process in Western culture as we age, as it is only natural to reflect on all that is around us as we enter the twilight of our life.
Works Cited
Smith, H. (1991). The World’s Religions: Our Great Wisdom Traditions. Pittsburg: HarperCollins Publishers.
